The number of business licenses filed with the Shelby County Clerk’s office decreased by about 1.8 percent to 1,528 in the first quarter compared with 1,556 in first quarter of 2011, according to The Daily News Online, www.memphisdailynews.com.

The National Black MBA Association of Memphis will hold its Visionaries Breakfast Symposium Tuesday, April 24, from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the Tower Room, 5100 Poplar Ave. The topic is “Great Minds Don’t Think Alike.” Cost is $10 for association members, Leadership Academy members and MBA students, and $15 for nonmembers. Register at nbmaavbs.eventbrite.com.

As workers began adding the platforms to the Beale Street Landing project on the city’s riverfront over the weekend, on the other end of the riverfront, workers prepared to move the Ramesses statue from the front of The Pyramid.

Last week we discussed the Jubilee Schools, which are educating children in urban areas of Memphis, affording opportunities for them to learn, grow and succeed in a faith-based environment regardless of their socioeconomic status. This week, let us spotlight an organization that is fighting hunger through the efficient collection and distribution of wholesome food, and through education and advocacy: Mid-South Food Bank.

Apples to Oranges Investors and media have run out of superlatives to describe Apple Inc. Not only has Apple become the biggest investment story, it has also become the world’s most highly valued company. Today Apple represents 4.4 percent of the S&P 500 and 16 percent of the Nasdaq composite index.

WASHINGTON (AP) – High energy prices and an economy that has been slow to rebound are worsening Social Security's finances, shortening the life of the trust funds that support program by three years, the government said Monday.